The winter months have been a good one in the pool for numerous Ionia youth and teenage swimmers.

Along with a successful season for the high school boys swimming and diving team, the Ionia members of the Rapids Area Y Swimmers (RAYS) team have also had a successful season, which they capped off with many top finishes in the 8 and under and 9 and over state championship meets.

"It's a big commitment to swim on a competitive swim team for both the swimmers and their families, but with hard work, dedication and efforts, they are rewarded," RAYS coach Paula Wood said. "Not only when they hit the wall and look up at the clock after having their best race of the season, but the experience helps build character and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle."

In the YMCA 9 and Over State Championships on Feb. 23 and 24. Robby Denney placed in five 10 and under events. He finished 16th in the 50 Breaststroke (46.5), ninth in the 200 Free (2:40.78), 23rd in the 50 Butterfly (41.78) individually.

Denney joined Emmet Scmehling, Brice Kerr and C.J. Hier on two relay teams as well. The quartet took third in the 300 Free Relay (2:11.37) and reset the RAYS team record in the 400 Free with a time of 4:49.94.

Shelly Reglin competed in three 10 and under events, finishing 11th in the 100 Individual Medley (1:25.17), 18th in the 50 Back (40.02) and 13th in the 50 Breaststroke (46.07).

Ionia boys swim team member Peter Pelon took seventh in the 200 Free (1:55.51), fourth in the 500 Free (5:24.19) and ninth in the 100 Breaststroke (1:16.65); while Lindsey Wood took 25th in the 13-14 100 Free (1:02.55), 17th in the 500 Free (5:56) and 21st in the 200 Free (2:15.71).

Ionia junior Patrick Wood competed in four 15 and over events. He took second in the 200 Free (1:52.42), sixth in the 100 Back (1:00.55) and third in the 100 Butterfly (56.44).

The team of Wood, Pelon, Nate Kozycki and Evan Blank took first in the 400 Free Relay (3:25.94) as well.

On Feb. 17, the younger RAYS swimmers competed against the top swimmers under 8 years of age in their state championship meet.

Valarie Hoppes led the way for the RAYS, competing in five events. Individually, she finished second in the 8 and under 100 IM (1:39.4), third in the 7 and under 25 Free (16.4) and third in the 7 and under 50 Free (37.96).

Hoppes joined Kaitlyn Lenters, Jane Puglessi and Maggie Hier on the 7 and under 100 Medley Relay team, which finished eighth (1:27.39), and Puglessi, Sydney VandLente and Abby Schulz in the 7 and under 11 Free Relay, earning first with a time of 1:20.47.

Hannah Kahle finished fifth in the 6 and under 25 Free (22.19) and seventh in the 6 and under 25 Back (28.12). She also took 19th with teammates Lindsey Michell, Olivia Williams and Rhian Machiela in the 8 and under 100 Medley Relay (1:27.39); and third in the 100 Free Relay with Michell, Adie Sandberg and Sam Connor.

Brynn Lepien competed in three 8 and under events, taking 15th in the 25 Free (18.74) and 17th in the 50 Free (43.46) individually.

Page 2 of 2 - She also swam with Hallea Michell, Ashland Sandberg and Heir in the 100 Free Relay and took ninth (1:19.25).